Police recover stolen Lowell DPW truck

By Robert Mills, rmills@lowellsun.com

Updated:
02/11/2013 06:34:42 AM EST

LOWELL -- Someone stole a city-owned truck from a Department of Public Works mechanic while he got a coffee at a Middlesex Street doughnut shop Sunday night, but a massive police search turned up the vehicle a short time later about a mile away.

The truck was reported missing about 6:50 p.m., by a DPW employee who was inside Honey Dew Donuts, 1740 Middlesex St.

The 1999 Ford F350 did not have a plow, but had a blue municipal license plate and DPW markings on the truck, since it is used to help maintain other DPW vehicles.

City police notified state police and surrounding towns, and dedicated several officers and detectives to the search for the truck.

The truck was found about 7:20 p.m., abandoned, near the Francis Gate House. Police radio broadcasts indicated the keys were still in the truck. The truck was returned to the DPW.

The theft comes as many DPW workers have only had about 8 hours off from work since Friday at 3:30 a.m. That is when City Manager Bernie Lynch said crews began work, stopping for only about 8 hours overnight Saturday.

Crews were back removing snow and plowing sidewalks Sunday night, and preparing to treat roads for an expected 1 to 2 inches of new snow that is expected to fall during this morning's commute.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lowell police at 978-937-3200 or Crimestoppers at 978-459-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent to police via Text-a-Tip, by texting TIP411 (847411) with the subject "LPDTIP.

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Tipsters can remain anonymous, but can receive up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

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